Top stories of the year on nutrition and exercise

When it comes to improving one’s health, many health care workers initially point to diet and exercise.

This year, Healio covered the latest research on different diets and forms of physical activity, and how variations in both can impact overall health. The top story was about the simplicity of intermittent fasting and how to best approach it. Other popular stories offered insights into how diet and exercise affect the risk for mortality, diabetes and more.

Read the top nutrition and fitness stories below:

Intermittent fasting is the 'simplest thing' for weight loss

Intermittent fasting can provide flexibility, convenience, affordability and simplicity to any diet if implemented correctly, according to a presentation at the Obesity Medicine Association Spring Conference. Read more.

Vitamin D, omega-3 plus strength exercises may reduce cancer risk in older adults

Daily supplementation with vitamin D3 and omega-3 fatty acids, in conjunction with a strength exercise program, may reduce the risk for cancer in adults aged 70 years and older, according to results of a randomized controlled trial. Read more.

Aerobic exercise, pomegranate juice may reduce risk for type 2 diabetes

Aerobic training and daily intake of pure pomegranate juice may prevent increased liver enzymes and insulin resistance in adult men, according to findings from an Iranian study published in BMC Nutrition. Read more.

Mediterranean named best overall diet for fifth consecutive year

During the beginning of 2022, the Mediterranean diet was named the best overall diet for the fifth year in a row by the editors of U.S. News & World Report. Read more.

Combination of muscle strengthening and aerobic exercise linked to reduced mortality risk

For older adults, combinations of aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities might lower the risk for all-cause mortality, according to researchers. Read more.

Regular exercise may enhance effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccine

Exercising regularly may improve the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine, and the benefits appear to rise with activity levels, according to researchers. Read more.

Moderate coffee consumption with or without sugar lowers mortality risk

Drinking a moderate amount — 1.5 to 3.5 cups per day — of unsweetened or sugar-sweetened coffee was associated with a lower risk for mortality, according to findings published in Annals of Internal Medicine. Read more.